This new collection gathers together the best work in social history published in essay form in the past decade. A substantial introduction surveys the rapid growth in this field of study.

This introductory survey sets out to explain why and how western Europe built up its postwar prosperity and is moving towards continental integration. Themes covered include the origins of the EEC; consumerism, youth culture and protest; immigration; and the oil crisis and its aftermath.

This book follows the evolution of the very large city across the world from its origins in Ancient times to its current dominant position in both the industrialised world and the Third World. In-depth studies are devoted to the key giant cities of human history at decisive points in their growth. The case-studies include Rome, London, Saint-Petersburg, Moscow, Bangkok and Berlin. Additional studies deal with the general characteristics of the megalopolis, stressing its implications for cultural life.